Elizabeth Caroline Willis (1881 — 1951)  

Elizabeth Caroline Willis was born on 9 September 1881 in Wash Common, the daughter of James and Fanny, nee Pearce, Willis. She was baptized on 16 October 1881 at the Primitive Methodist Chapel in Newbury.
She was recorded with her parents James and Fanny and brother Frank aged 6 in Wash Common in the 1891 census, James was recorded a labourer.
Elizabeth (but recorded as Bessie) entered the Girls British School in Newbury on 30 August 1892. She attained standard IV while at the school. She left on 31 May 1895, the reason given was "too delicate to remain at school".
In the 1901 census Elizabeth was recorded with her parents James and Fanny, brother Frank aged 16 and their granddaughter Winifred Beatrice aged 3 at 6 Roseberry Cottages in Wash Common. James and Frank were both recorded as market gardeners, Elizabeth did not have any occupation.

Ten years later in the 1911 census Elizabeth was living as a servant at Battlefield in Wash Common, her occupation was a general domestic servant.
In the 1925 to 1931 electoral registers Elizabeth was recorded at 6 Roseberry Cottages in Enborne, which was the old address of her parents.
When the national register was taken in September 1939 Elizabeth was living at 14 Battle Road in Newbury and her occupation was recorded as unpaid domestic duties. There were three other people living in the house including Doreen Hamblin aged 19 and a dressmaker.
Elizabeth's sister Edith died on 18 April 1943 while living at Elizabeth's house, 14 Battle Road in Newbury.
Elizabeth died on 12 October 1951 still living at 14 Battle Road. She was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 16 October 1951. Elizabeth did not leave a will but administration of her estate was granted on 14 December 1951 at Oxford to her brother Frank Willis, a gardener. The value of the estate was £249 Is 3d.
Elizabeth's parents were both buried at Newtown Road Cemetery, her father James on 10 September 1913 and her mother Fanny on 12 January 1918. Her sister Edith Willis was also buried at Newtown Road on 22 April 1943.

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